Duck! A gorgeous new Australian picture book

Duck! is awesome. My six year old has retold me this story every day this week in between fits of laughing. I’ve just overheard him explaining it to his granny too.

For me, what really sets the tone of this book is the dedication by the author that reads:

“For all the little folk who have important things to say”

You know an author who writes that is writing for children and telling a story specifically aimed at them.

This post will touch on the plot, just a bit so as not to spoil it, the illustrations and age suitability.

Duck!

The Plot

Duck knows something is coming. He is busy trying to tell everyone on the farm but they just won’t listen.

All of the animals consider themselves to beautiful to listen to what he has to say.

They think he’s silly and simple.

Poor duck finally gets his message across.

The Illustrations

When you’re reading to kids, as much of the experience is about the pictures. The illustrations can really determine the tone of the book and how it is received.

I love these illustrations and these colours. They’re calming but still engaging and lively. It’s a perfect balance that has been drawn.

Duck! was first published this year and is definitely one to keep an eye out for. It would make a lovely Christmas present.

Age Suitability

I got this book primarily for my 3 year old thinking that she would get the most joy out of it, my 6 year old has loved this book!

My 6 year old understood the irony in the double meaning of the word duck. I think my 3 year old may have grasped it but she also may not have and just loved the simple lines of the story.

With the gorgeous pictures, I think this book is really special and suitable for any children 2 years plus.

Whilst children under 2 would enjoy it, I wouldn’t trust them with the pages. They’re a bit too susceptible to grabbing the pages.

Duck! Is an Australian book, through and through.

Written by an Aussie, illustrated by an Aussie and published by Walker Books. It’s an awesome collaboration between author Meg McKinlay and Sydney based illustrator, Nathaniel Eckstrom.

You may not believe it possible but Meg McKinlay grew up in a TV- and car-free household. What a great childhood that must have been.

Nathaniel Eckstrom has worked on a number of children’s picture books including The Ugly Duckling, Me and Moo

I really hope these two will be working together in the future. They are definitely a collaboration I would like to see more from.

If you’re looking for the book and can’t find it, the ISBN you need is 9781925381535.

♦